Channeling Power

Janet Bealer Rodie, Managing Editor

B urlington Worldwide (BWW), a business unit of International Textile Group Inc. (ITG),
Greensboro, N.C., has launched the Cooltec™ line of woven moisture-management, quick-drying
polyester fabrics featuring performance that is engineered into the fiber. Burlington Labs, the
company's research and development division, developed the fabrics for apparel uses including men's
dress casual, golf and other activewear pants and shirts, as well as uniforms.

The proprietary yarn is made with filaments that have an x-shaped cross section with concave
"conducting slots" that create a siphoning effect. The yarn quickly channels the moisture away from
the body and diffuses it through the fabric to evaporate very quickly as well, leaving the wearer
cool and comfortable. The engineered performance, including both vertical wicking and absorption,
is permanently built into the fabric. Other performance properties, such as odor control, soil
release and ultraviolet protection, can be applied to the fabric without affecting the inherent
properties.

The x-shaped cross section of Cooltec™ filaments enables the yarn to quickly channel
moisture away from the body and diffuse it through the fabric.

"We could blend Cooltec with different technologies to create a smorgasbord of technology in
a single fabric," said Peter M. Baumann, senior vice president Merchandising, BWW. "The
technologies could be yarn-related or chemistry-related."

Bauman said the fabrics are targeted to brands and private-label retailers that want to
offer high-performance apparel that has a lower price point than the top-of-the-line goods as well
as superior performance compared with apparel featuring a moisture-management finish. The fabric is
produced in China and finished at BWW's Jiaxing Burlington Textile Co. Ltd. dyeing and finishing
plant, and supplied to downstream apparel and careerwear manufacturers in Asia, many of which
supply the U.S. market.

"We have developed several different styles for the Spring 2012 season and are able to
replicate anything else in our line, including heather colors," Baumann said. The fabrics are
constructed using Cooltec in either the warp or the filling and another polyester yarn in the other
direction. That proportion of Cooltec is sufficient to provide the performance and helps to keep
the cost of the fabric within the desired range, Baumann explained. It also allows BWW to blend
Cooltec with a range of other yarns in the various styles.

Cooltec's very quick-drying property can also help reduce energy usage during the drying
cycle when it is laundered. "This could be especially relevant for commercial laundering of a load
of uniforms," Baumann said. Theoretically, a garment "powered by Cooltec" also could help shorten
drying time in a mixed load because of the way it performs.

For more information about Cooltec™, contact +336-379-2855.
January/February 2011